There are lots of details to manage and steps you should be taking on time when you relocate to a new home, so it’s important to get an early start on the job so that everything is in order when the moving van arrives. But where do you even begin? Royal Moving and Storage Los Angeles has the answers! Two months before moving day is probably too early to begin wrapping plates and glasses, but it’s a good time to begin laying the groundwork for a smooth operation. Take action on these 10 steps and you’ll be way ahead of the game.
#1 Gathering moving estimates is one of the first steps you should be taking
As you begin to look at moving companies, one of the steps you should take at least 2 months before the move is to check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure that the firm you choose has a first-rate reputation. Take the time to learn about your level of liability if any of your items are lost or damaged. By law, if you’re moving to another state the mover’s estimate must contain full-value protection of your belongings, unless you opt out. You can instead choose the minimum protection of 60 cents per pound, which is not recommended.
Movers will likely ask for a small down payment, especially during busy seasons. But be wary of carriers that require large down payments or payment in advance. Make sure to get any agreement with a mover in writing, and be available by phone on moving day. Also, ask questions about any part of the agreement that you don’t understand. If the carrier is hesitant to clarify the terms, or you aren’t satisfied with the answers you’re receiving, talk with another mover.
#2 Plan out your budget for moving expenses
It’s time to take a realistic look at how much money you’ll need to set aside to pay for your move and storage services. The American Moving & Storage Association says the average cost of a move within your own state is $1,170 – moving to another state costs around $5,630.
Other expenses are likely to accrue. Some utilities demand deposits and connection fees to install, such as electricity, gas, cable TV, and phone connections. It’s a good idea to check on what you’ll owe and be prepared to pay among the steps you should be taking. The cost of replacing items that you aren’t bringing along, from the spices in your kitchen cupboard to cleaning supplies, can add up. Take an inventory of the things you’re likely to need and add that to your moving budget.
#3 Start a special folder for important paperwork
As you make arrangements to move you’ll accumulate a lot of important documents, including estimates, agreements, receipts, and other paperwork. Avoid searching for a critical document when your hands are full of other moving tasks. Not only is it important to save the original documents in a manila folder that’s easy to find, you’ll probably want to scan each one and save electronic versions in PDF format, just in case.
#4 Important steps you should be taking include researching your new community
Chances are you’ve already researched a lot of data about your new neighborhood. What you’ve learned about property values, crime statistics, the quality of public schools, and the availability of good hospitals probably helped you decide to buy or rent in the new location. But there’s still a lot of information you need to take in to make your transition more comfortable.
Look for nearby stores, farmers’ markets, parks, restaurants, and auto repair shops. A great source of information is local real estate agents. You might also try knocking on some doors on your new block and speaking with your soon-to-be neighbors. They may help point you toward some excellent hiking trails or bike paths, and any other kind of recreational facility that you and your family enjoy.
#5 Collect healthcare information
Before the moving day arrives, it’s important to make sure that you have all the necessary healthcare documents to ensure a smooth transition in case of medical emergencies or routine checkups. Here’s a list of important healthcare documents to collect before moving:
- Medical records. This includes your complete medical history, including any past surgeries, illnesses, allergies, and ongoing treatments. It’s important to obtain a copy of your medical records from your current healthcare provider to share with your new one.
- Immunization records. Make sure you have a copy of your immunization records, especially if you have children who attend school, as schools require proof of immunization for admission.
- Prescriptions. Make a list of all your current medications and obtain a copy of your prescriptions. This gives you access to the medication you need and can easily transfer your prescriptions to a new pharmacy.
- Health insurance information. Obtain a copy of your health insurance card and check if your new healthcare provider accepts your insurance.
- Emergency contact list. Make a list of emergency contacts, including family members, friends, and healthcare providers, in case of any medical emergencies.
You’ll probably rest easier knowing that your medical, dental, vaccination, and prescription records are all safely collected in your file cabinet or on your computer. This is a good time to gather them all into one place, especially if you’re planning a relocation with cross-state movers Los Angeles trusts. Keep in mind that you may have to pay a small fee to your medical and dental practitioners for document printing.
#6 Ask doctors for referrals in your new city
Your present doctor could be the best source to consult when you’re looking for care in your new neighborhood. Physicians often have connections to doctors in other locales through medical school or a fellowship program. You may want to collect a few names, then look them up online to see how patients rate them. There are a number of online sites that can provide that information. Then, find out if the doctor is taking new patients and accepting your health insurance. Be sure to find out how far the doctor’s office is from your home.
#7 Relocate essential documents for your child’s education
Now is the ideal time to start moving educational files to their new destination among steps you should take to prepare for the move. Supplying duplicates of your youngster’s most recent academic assignments could be beneficial, especially in subjects like mathematics, science, and language arts. Additionally, consider including correspondence from educators or advisors that address your child’s abilities, hobbies, or areas for improvement.
Provide details about the learning materials they were using, such as the author’s name and publishing data. This can assist the student in adapting more seamlessly to their new surroundings. Don’t forget to gather details about any after-school pursuits. It’s also crucial to have their health documents and vaccination records readily available.
#8 Round up copies of legal and financial records
Begin organizing your record-keeping system now. Keeping your legal documents and financial records in order can save you lots of time. You can prepare for a meeting with an attorney or financial adviser in an hour rather than a week. The same principle applies to birth certificates, immunization records, wills, vehicular titles, and other vital documents.
Just remember to set these documents aside before packing services in Los Angeles arrive to safely box your belongings. Once they’re packed, keep them with you at all times, and don’t mix them with other boxes. You’ll feel more secure in the knowledge that important papers are safe and not buried under other unfiled documents.
#9 Don’t forget the steps you should be taking regarding your insurance
Call your insurance agent to see what changes you need to make to your new policy. Homeowners insurance can protect your home’s structure and other structures on your property, such as fencing or a shed. It may also offer liability protection, for example, if someone injures themselves while on your property. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance agent to find out the limitations of your coverage, and to decide whether you might need to increase protection as you’re discovering your new area after relocation.
Once you know your insurance is in order, you can give residential movers in Los Angeles a call without worries. An insurance agent can ensure that your old homeowner’s policy expires on the same day as the new one begins. There should be no gap in coverage as you transfer to your new property.
#10 Club memberships may be canceled or transferred
One of the steps you should be taking on time is to contact your health club and other organizations and groups to cancel or transfer memberships. If your health club doesn’t have a gym close enough to your new home, you may want to find something nearer.
